Archive

Quotes

The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing.

—Herodotus, c. 425 BC

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.

—George Borrow, 1843

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.

—Judge Learned Hand, 1944

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

—Laozi, c. 500 BC

There is nothing more tyrannical than a strong popular feeling among a democratic people.

—Anthony Trollope, 1862

In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1830

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

—Vegetius, c. 385

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

—Laozi

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

—Quintus Fabius Maximus, c. 203 BC

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

—Thomas Jefferson, 1787

The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

—Anthony Burgess, 1972

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

—Tacitus, c. 117

You should never have your best trousers on when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.

—Henrik Ibsen, 1882